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The Dawn Of Adonis by Phil Earle

Jul16

Exciting & Engaging

The Dawn Of Adonis by Phil Earle is the most charming children’s historical novel that I absolutely loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over. It is a thoroughly enjoyable novel whatever your age.

This is a tale of adventure as we race through the streets of London in 1911. It has all the elements that make it exciting – heroes; villains; and a precious baby that needs protecting. There really is something for everyone.

The novel is very atmospheric and emotional. “The mountain howled. The jungle cried… the sky wept.” That really spoke to my heart.

We see the bravery of young children and the desire to protect and to do the right thing, even if the right thing is hard to do.

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Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Jun17

Moral Courage

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson is a powerful, children’s historical novel that entertained me from the start.

The action is set in London from 1939 and seen from the point of view of a young boy called Ronnie. It is told in the first person and therefore we get to know Ronnie intimately. He is extremely likable, always trying to do the right thing.

We follow Ronnie and his younger brother Mickey and best friend Lugs as they try to navigate life, family and war.

The war was a mixture of excitement and being scared after the Phony War of 1939. “Life in London didn’t change much in those first few weeks… War, it seemed, had forgotten to show up.” Once World War II begins in earnest, there is more than just bombs to navigate as an opportunist turns up, turning Mickey’s head.

We witness those who profit in war, thinking nothing of preying on the misery of others.

Jenny Pearson has shown the danger of the banned group The Blackshirts, whose ideology lined up with Hitler.

As we follow Lugs, we see his fears as a Jewish boy in London. His father is a pacifist but still conscripted into the war as a stretcher bearer. “It was courageous to march onto a battlefield with a gun in your hands, but treading the ground without one… was even braver.” As Ronnie declares “to me, Lug’s Dad was a hero.” The reader can only echo that statement.

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The Book Cat by Polly Faber

Jun8

Enchanting

The Book Cat by Polly Faber is a most charming historical tale for ages eight to twelve years, and also for anyone who loves cats.

The book is set in London during World War II. It has its’ roots in fact as T.S. Eliot opened his doors to Morgan, a stray kitty, who then lived in the offices of Faber and Faber.

Starting off in the wider London area before moving to the docks and then to Russell’s Square next to the British Museum, the reader is delighted by the antics of Morgan, a stray cat. Polly Faber has brought him to life with her words as the reader almost ‘believes’ his antics.

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Under A Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean

May28

Friendship & Futility

Under A Fire Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean is a powerful historical novel for ages ten years and over.

This is a novel that explores a diverse friendship as a small group of teens decide not to get evacuated from London during the phoney war.

It is a coming-of-age novel as the teens have to grow up very quickly. They go from the classroom to the Blitz in fairly quick succession, making new friends along the way.

As London burns, there are some horrific sights. “The sight would never leave her. She could no more forget it than forget her name.” Some things once seen, cannot be unseen.

There are conflicting emotions. “My Bible tells me to love my enemies. I didn’t realise until now how annoyingly difficult that is.” But when the teens come face to face with a German who is shot down, they realise that he looks just like them, and that somewhere in Germany, a mother is praying for her son’s safe return.

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